ISD 2142 South School bids come in on budget

Article From The Cook News Herald online: (Full Story Online at the link below)
http://www.cooknewsherald.com/page1.html

Sixty bids were received for the construction of the new South School for ISD 2142, it was announced by Gary Zifko of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company at a special study session of the board Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the Central Office in Virginia. The bids were for eight different items in the new construction.
The board, before a packed house which included Fox TV, next discussed the possible closing of schools if construction is delayed. Business Manager Kim Johnson said there would be minor savings since 70 percent of the district's spending is for people under contract. There would be some savings by cutting custodians and some of the upkeep of the buildings. The schools that might be closed were Orr, Tower-Soudan and Cotton. There could be savings in food service and transportation, but that might be matched by students going to open enrollment and other schools.
Cherry board member Darrel Bjerklie wondered if Tower-Soudan parents were behind the remodeled K-6 school or if the district should look at a new school since it seemed that remodeling costs almost as much as building new. There was talk of a survey going out to the parents in the Tower-Soudan enrollment area.
Bruns said, "Don't close any schools this year. No significant savings." She said the board should "keep our word" in keeping all schools open this year.
There was also some talk about where the new North School would be built if the present location wasn't approved. It was pointed out that a second location near the Gheen Corner was the next option.
Supt. Charles Rick said of the reorganization plan that the new schools could "bring people together" and give the district a "new identity."
There being no other items on the study session agenda, the meeting adjourned around 4:30 p.m.